Sunset Boulevard’s triumphant Sydney return

The tall palm trees of 1950s Los Angeles cast long shadows in Sunset Boulevard, the exceptional Andrew Lloyd Webber musical returning to the Sydney Opera House after 30 years. 

Based on Billy Wilder’s landmark film of the same name, Sunset Boulevard follows struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis (Tim Draxl) as he grows increasingly entangled in the life of fading silent-film star Norma Desmond (Sarah Brightman), who’s been chewed up and spat out by the ruthless Hollywood machine. 

For Sydney native and Wilder superfan Tim Draxl, the role of Boulevard’s opportunistic and increasingly desperate Joe Gillis has been a lifelong dream to play: “I’ve always loved old movies, that’s how my career really started,” he tells City Hub. “It was the allure of Hollywood and the aesthetic of the 50s that always stood out to me.”

“When I heard about this production of Boulevard, I called my agent and said ‘I want to go in for Joe Gillis,’ even though I’d previously told them I didn’t want to do musicals anymore,” he explains. “I started doing research and realised the show is such a beautiful homage to Billy Wilder and his commentary about the Hollywood machine, with an equally beautiful score.” 

Though Joe is a difficult role – the character is onstage for a majority of the show – it’s one that Tim felt he could bring something new to by way of his own experiences. “I thought about how Joe’s a desperate writer in LA on his last dollar. And I know what that’s like; I lived in LA for seven years and that desperation isn’t attractive or appealing, it’s really ugly. And that was something I felt I could bring to Joe.” 

And he’s right; from the moment the curtains first rise, Tim fits into the role of Joe like the well-tapered tuxedo he dons in Act 1. Suave and snarky in equal measure, the show simply wouldn’t function to the same degree without his powerhouse performance. Keep an ear out for his jaw-dropping rendition of the title song Sunset Boulevard, where Tim’s incredible singing voice and irresistible stage presence are all that’s needed to create a spellbinding moment of musical theatre. 

“…It’s a beautiful homage to Billy Wilder and his commentary about Hollywood”

Starring alongside Tim is classically-trained English singer and actress Sarah Brightman as Norma Desmond. It’s hard to believe this is her first musical theatre gig in 30 years given the high calibre of her performance, and Tim doesn’t think there’s anyone else better for the role. “To have someone like Sarah, one of the most illustrious soprano singers in the world, play this role is incredible. She knows more than any of us ever could about this industry, and there’s a real fragility, sensitivity and danger she brings to the character. It’s just awesome.” 

Joining the pair in this incredible production is Ashleigh Rubenach, playing aspiring writer Betty Schaefer who begins a working relationship with Joe that soon turns into something more. Ashleigh’s turn as Betty is extremely charming, portraying her as a starry-eyed storyteller compared to Tim’s more experienced and jaded Joe.

Ashleigh, another Sydney native for whom Boulevard was a dream role, holds equal reverence for the classic era of Hollywood that the play portrays, warts and all. She says: “It’s an insight and warning about the way the Hollywood system can impact a person, their perception of who they are and what their value is. And I think that’s still prevalent; we’ve all all heard and seen stories like that, so to see it come to life in this show is really exciting.” 

“Andrew Lloyd Webber is a genius at crafting mood and emotion in his writing, and in my opinion Boulevard is the best example of that,” she continues. “He has such an innate understanding of the material, and it makes for a pretty incredible night out.”

Incredible does indeed describe this production of Sunset Boulevard. On the opening night of the show at the Opera House, every single musical number received uproarious applause, and the audience delivered a thunderous standing ovation at the show’s end. Tim and Ashleigh both express how proud they are to be part of this revival of Boulevard, and given this genuinely breathtaking production that honours a stage and screen classic, they have every right to be. 

Sunset Boulevard
Until November 1
Sydney Opera House, Joan Sutherland Theatre
https://sunsetmusical.com.au